At the public Masses on April 17th and 20th, Pope Benedict XVI will bless the religious articles (rosaries, medals, crucifixes, etc.) that those attending the Mass have brought for his blessing.
The Holy Father will bless some additional objects as well. At Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., he will bless the new cornerstone and tabernacle of Pope John Paul II High School in Arlington, Virginia.
At Yankees Stadium in the Bronx, the Holy Father will bless a cornerstone for the bicentennial garden of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and a crucifix for the chapel of Saint John Neumann Seminary residence.
Updated 4/14/08 to correct objects to be blessed in Washington, D.C.
My question is what is the point of blessing things? Shouldn’t his time be better spent spreading the gospel?
The articles will be blessed during the blessing that comcludes the Eucharistic Liturgy. As the Catechism states, “Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts” (no. 1671).
I for one am excited that we can bring objects to be blessed. Sara i am not sure your second question really makes sense..his whole trip is about spreading the Gospel and a simple blessing probably takes a minute or so. It’s not like he will be standing there and each of us will walk up to him holding a bag open for him to bless, if that makes sense. i am wondering if your understanding of the object blessing might be unclear.
Peace.
Lisa…counting down the hours till Thursday’s Mass!!